Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude 2019 (8080)

Darren Harris

This is no lead footed Syrah dominant Chateauneuf-du-Pape! In fact the dominant grape variety is Counoise (30%). Counoise was born in the Rhone Valley. It was once highly favoured but over the last century, in the search for bigger wines, it fell out of favour and simply became one of the many permitted grape varieties blended in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Counoise is often used as a blending grape because the winemakers feel it adds black pepper, cassis and floral notes, along with high acidity, which gives the wines additional lift. Global warming has necessitated a rethink in the Rhone and Counoise seem to be the perfect grape for the 21^st century. It is elegant

Wine Spectator

Very seductive, with a silky-textured core of pure, distilled raspberry essence that just won't quit as this stretches out through a gorgeous red tea, sandalwood, garrigue and floral-accented finish. Lingering minerality adds length too. Super-refined version. Counoise, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Drink now through 2036. 

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Vin De La Solitude is an interesting blend of 30% Counoise, 22% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, and the rest Clairette (both Rosé and Blanc), Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Picpoul. Reminding me of a Grand Cru Red Burgundy with its finesse and elegance, it has a great perfume of red and black fruits as well as notes of peppery garrigue, chocolate, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, seamless, and just thrilling stuff, I wouldn’t push the aging curve too much